<img width="269" height="200" align="left" title="NFL Logo" alt="NFL Logo" src="http://www.bolttalk.com/images/NFL_LOGO.jpg" />To say this was a disappointing week for the Chargers would be an understatement. They lost another close game, this time due to turnovers and poor tackling. If the loss wasn't enough, the Chargers got a double whammy. Shaun Phillips went down with a calf injury and it was announced that Shawne Merriman tested positive for steroids. Merriman is appealing, because he says it was a tainted supplement. Phillips injury wasn't as bad as originally thought. So there is a ray of hope, but regardless, they are getting thin at what was once the Chargers deepest position.

<em><strong>Arizona 20, Green Bay 23</strong></em>
I am so down on the Cardinals right now. They are a team that isn't bad enough to lose all of their games, but they are bad enough to lose to a team that is bad enough to lose all of their games. The Cards will be competitive, but the Packers take this one.

<em><strong>Atlanta 21, Cincinnati 24</strong></em>
This is going to be a close game but with the home field advantage I think the Bengals will pull it out. Vick showed last week he could be a pocket passer, but can he do it if the winds pick up in Paul Brown Stadium like they tend to this time of year?

<em><strong>Baltimore 19, New Orleans 21</strong></em>
Jamal Lewis has slowed down. He doesn't have a single 100 yard game yet this season. The Saints have not been good against the run. Lewis might finally get his 100 yard game, but the Saints are for real and should win this game in front of an energetic home crowd.

<em><strong>Houston 18, Tennessee 16</strong></em>
This one should down to the wire and really could go either way. Both teams are coming off upset wins last week. I don't know what that really means except that one of these teams has to win, well unless there is a tie.

<em><strong>Jacksonville 17, Philadelphia 26</strong></em>
The Jaguars will come out fighting after being upset last week by the Texans. They need to do something against the pass if they are going to have any chance the Eagles. NcNabb will have a big day.

<em><strong>Seattle 24, Kansas City 20</strong></em>
Which Chiefs team is going to show up? The one that showed a sense of urgency against San Diego, or the one that fell apart against Pittsburgh? The Seahawks are not the team they were last year, but they can handle the Chiefs.

<em><strong>San Francisco 10, Chicago 31</strong></em>
Alex Smith isn't going to have a lot of success throwing the ball in the windy city. Chicago had a small lapse last week, but they'll come into this game with all cylinders firing.

<em><strong>Tampa Bay 13, N.Y. Giants 24</strong></em>
The Giants should play tough against the run, forcing Gradkowski to throw the ball. Expect Tiki Barber to have a big day running the ball.

<em><strong>St. Louis 17, San Diego 31</strong></em>
Marty-ball will be in effect this Sunday, but against the Rams that might not be a bad thing. The Rams have been allowing opponents an average of over 120 yards rushing per game so far this season. Look for the Chargers to pass early, get a lead, and hold that lead with a heavy dose of Turner and LT.

<em><strong>Indianapolis 20, Denver 13</strong></em>
Denver has had a great streak on defense, but their offense has been horrific. I don't think Plummer will keep his starting QB job this entire season unless he can step up his game. Indy has a potent offense that will challenge the Broncos defense. We know Indy can throw, but the big question is will they be able to establish any kind of running game?
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N.Y. Jets 19, Cleveland 16</strong></em>
The Jets played terribly against the run last week, but the Browns are dead last in the league on offense. So who wins? I actually think this could go either way, but I'm taking the Jets.

<em><strong>Pittsburgh 28, Oakland 10</strong></em>
The Raiders got their first win of the season last week and it might just be their only win of the season. The Raiders still have too many problems to put up much of a fight against the current Super Bowl Champions.

<em><strong>Dallas 20, Carolina 24</strong></em>
Could this season be the end of the Parcell experiment in Dallas? Romo or Bledsoe? That is the question. At least with Romo, you're giving a young talented QB valuable playing experience. Bledsoe wasn't going to lead this team to the playoffs. The Panthers should win this one as long as they don't turn the ball over.

<strong>Monday, Oct. 23</strong>
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New England 18, Minnesota 16</strong></em>
The Patriots have been quietly having a great season and are currently 5-1. They find ways to win the close ones. The Vikings are a good team and this is going to be a close one.